The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has identified H5 avian influenza in a wastewater sample collected on December 2 at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaiʻi Island. This marks the first detection of bird flu on a neighbor island, indicating the presence of an H5 type virus. However, it remains unclear if this is specifically the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 subtype, which was recently found on Oʻahu.
The presence of the H5N1 virus in Hawaiʻi was initially confirmed in November 2024 within a backyard flock in Central Oʻahu. This strain differs from those affecting birds and dairy cows on the U.S. mainland.
Despite low public risk, HPAI poses significant threats to certain bird populations, particularly poultry, due to its severe illness and high mortality rate. Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are urged to enhance biosecurity measures to prevent infection. Additionally, while pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption, raw milk should be avoided as HPAI can also infect dairy cows.
For reporting multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, contact the HDOA Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102 during business hours or 808-837-8092 outside these times.
Residents suspecting exposure to sick birds or wildlife should reach out to the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for further guidance.
Resources regarding avian influenza are available through various organizations including the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), DOH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).